Gillingham’s Edinburgh Dreams of Managing Tottenham
Former Tottenham player Justin Edinburgh returns to White Hart Lane as Gillingham’s manager when both clubs face-off in the EFL Cup’s third round.
Tottenham are set at manager with Mauricio Pochettino but down the road, Justin Edinburgh a former left-back for Spurs, has already thrown his hat in the ring for what he calls a dream job.
Edinburgh who is the current boss for League One’s Gillingham previously played for Spurs from 1990 to 2000 and would like to manage in the Premier League one day.
Because of this, it’s quite obvious that his first choice is to coach Tottenham.
“I have ambitions and I want to manage in the Premier League. If I could pick a club, Spurs would be my dream job,” Edinburgh told Press Association Sport (via Sky Sports).
“But then do you ever get your dream job? Some people do. I started in the seventh tier of English football and I’m now two away [from the Premier League]. I’m a lot closer than I was.”
“That’s my dream. Winning at White Hart Lane would help of course. You get recognised by your team doing well and getting good results, and hopefully that’s the case come Wednesday.”
The 46-year-old who is in his second season with the Gills will be making his return to White Hart Lane since he retired as a player.
He’s been back with the club in different roles but in terms of returning to Spurs’ ground as a former player or manager, this is the first time for Justin Edinburgh.
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After enjoying a successful 10-year career which culminated in winning the FA Cup (1991) and League Cup (1999), it’ll be an emotional day coaching at White Hart Lane where he will be hoping for a Spurs loss.
“Spurs has been a fantastic part of my life and my family’s life,” Edinburgh continued (via Spurs’ official site).
“Every day it was a privilege to train and play at the Club so, after being there for over 10 years, it’s going to be a very proud moment to walk out of that tunnel.”
“Obviously I’ve been back to the Club and worked in the hospitality areas and I did a little bit of part-time coaching in the academy when I first retired, but it’s the first time as a professional going back so I’m looking forward to the whole occasion.”
“You have to keep your emotions in check really.”
Wednesday night will mark 16 years since Justin Edinburgh last walked through the tunnel at White Hart Lane.
With Mauricio Pochettino expected to rotate a majority of his players in preparation for their clash against Midddlesbrough, this could be a tightly contested game.
Gillingham will be looking for an upset win and with Edinburgh making waves as a manager since his playing days came to an end it wouldn’t be exactly surprising.
A three-year stint with Portsmouth near the end of his playing career was followed by a three-year stay with non-league Billiericay Town in a player-manager role.
Afterwards, he began his coaching career with Fisher Athletic, Grays Athletic, Rushden & Diamonds and Newport County — guiding them back into the Football League in 2013 — before being given a job to manage Gillingham in League One.
Next: Tottenham - Gillingham Match Preview
A 13-year managerial career that started in the Isthmian League Premier Division with Billericay has led to this. A return to White Hart Lane against his former club whom he still cherishes to this day.
Justin Edinburgh for 90 minutes will be looking to win against Tottenham, hoping to impress Spurs and maybe, one day, get his dream job in the future.